Random nomination tool

http://www.classtools.net/

Class Tools.net is a collection of very random online tools for teachers to use. The site is a bit messy but it does have some useful tools. Here we are going to look at just one of the tools, the random name picker which does what you would expect it to do. Rather than the teacher nominating students to give answers the tool will automatically select students. Names appear as spins on a fruit machine or as a word being typed on a screen. Use the tool from the web page or save it to use it again or embed it in a web page or blog. This works best if you have a large screen with a projector or an Interactive Whiteboard that the whole class can see.

random name picker can be found at:

http://www.classtools.net/education-games-php/fruit_machine
To make a random name picker do the following:

1. Click in the yellow box
   
2. Enter one student name per line 
3. Choose fruit machine or typewriter to see how the name picker works
4. If happy choose the edit words button
5. Now it is possible to save as a web page or embed into a web page or blog using the symbols at the bottom right so that you can use the class list again

If you don't like the gambling theme (£5 says you do) choose the Typewriter button which will also randomly generate names letter by letter as if typing onto a screen.

The random name picker  can also be used in other ways.  For example,  instead of entering names you can enter vocabulary items previously studied in class. Ask one student to sit facing the class and spin the generator.  When the generator chooses a word the class have to describe the word to the student sitting in the hot seat. If the class are successful in their explanation the student should be able to guess the word. Personally, I think this is a more interesting way to use this tool.

Remember, Class Tools can found at:
http://classtools.org.uk/